Bio

Dr. Rick Smith took over as Dallas College North Lake president Feb. 3, 2025.

Smith is responsible for leading campus culture and local business and community engagement and advancement. Additionally, in concert with other Dallas College campus presidents, he leads efforts to develop industry partnerships with business leaders and public partners from economic development, workforce development, education and training and other community organizations as part of Dallas College’s broader sector strategy.

Smith came to Dallas College with over 30 years of experience in various industries, including media, development, health care and education. Prior to North Lake, Smith served as the senior vice president of industrial advancement and administrative projects at Simmons College of Kentucky, the state’s only private historically Black college. Smith oversaw fundraising campaigns at Simmons, establishing the school’s first foundation to support its sustainability efforts. He served as the vice president of external relations and economic partnerships for the Kentucky Council on postsecondary education.

Smith has a doctor's of education degree in educational leadership and community college leadership from Bradley University. He earned a master's in philanthropic studies from Indiana University. He has a bachelor's of arts in broadcast communication from the University of Louisville.